Farewell to Pope Francis: A Global Gathering to Honor His Legacy

The funeral of Pope Francis took place on April 26, 2025, in St. Peter’s Square, attracting a vast assembly of mourners, including prominent world leaders and ordinary citizens who celebrated his profound legacy as a compassionate and inclusive pope.

Mourners from around the globe filled St. Peter's Square in Vatican City on Saturday for the funeral of Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88. As the first Jesuit and the first Latin American pope, he was known for his commitment to a more inclusive Catholic Church, and his funeral Mass was expected to draw tens of thousands, spanning both the powerful and the everyday faithful.

Francis’ funeral, structured to reflect his humble approach, differed in tone from those of his predecessors. He had previously approved guidelines to simplify the service, which will nonetheless retain the traditional elements of Catholic pageantry, such as a massive gathering of cardinals, world leaders, and even a selection of vulnerable communities like refugees, whom he championed throughout his twelve-year papacy. The Mass is slated to begin at 10 a.m. local time (4 a.m. Eastern), with live broadcasts available globally.

The Vatican expected over 150 foreign delegations to attend, including dignitaries such as former U.S. President Joseph R. Biden Jr., President Trump, and President Javier Milei of Argentina. Some attendees, like the homeless and refugees, were especially significant, reflecting Francis’ mission of solidarity with marginalized groups. After the Mass, Francis will be buried in St. Mary Major, a papal basilica in Rome dear to him, following a private ceremony.

Security is tight for the event as authorities prepare for the large crowd, with increased police presence and major traffic restrictions in place. Volunteers and health workers are on standby to ensure the safety and well-being of attendees amidst the anticipated turnout, which could exceed 100,000 individuals.

The atmosphere around St. Peter's Square is filled with both grief and gratitude as pilgrims and the clergy don classical vestments while others prepare to engage in their own acts of reflection and mourning. With a mix of excitement from youth groups and solemnity from elderly couples, the masses await to pay tribute to a pope whose lengthy ministry was marked by calls for compassion in a tumultuous world.

As the service begins and the faithful reflect on Francis' legacy, attention in Rome will soon shift toward the election of his successor by the College of Cardinals, indicating a significant moment in the future of the Church in an era of both continuity and change, influenced by the profound work and teachings of Pope Francis.